[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 103 (Tuesday, June 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE CHRIS ANDERSON CENTER FOR THE ARTS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOSH HARDER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 13, 2023

  Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don 
Riggio Elementary School's rededicating of the music and multipurpose 
room complex to the Chris Anderson Center for the Arts. Mr. Anderson 
devoted 34 years teaching the gift of music to generations of students 
in Stockton. Over the course of his life, Mr. Anderson exemplified what 
it means to be a dedicated teacher, musician, and to lead a life of 
service.
  Described as the ``heart and soul'' of Don Riggio Elementary School's 
music program, Mr. Anderson changed the lives of the countless students 
who had the pleasure of walking into his classroom. His love and 
passion for music was evident in every lesson he taught. Mr. Anderson 
is quoted saying, ``most people would consider the sounds students 
first make on their instruments as cringeworthy. But to me, that is 
music to my ears, as it is the first time students give a voice to 
their instruments.''
  But Mr. Anderson did more than teach students how to give a voice to 
their instruments. He taught students how to use their own voices and 
express themselves creatively. Furthermore, Mr. Anderson fostered an 
encouraging and collaborative community in his classroom, where 
students strengthened both their musical voice and their own voice. His 
compassionate, yet disciplined, style of teaching reached every 
student, making sure that every child left his classroom with an 
appreciation for music. Mr. Anderson's teaching ability was recognized 
far beyond his classroom--in fact, Mr. Anderson was a quarterfinalist 
for the 2017 Grammy Music Educator Award.
  When he wasn't playing ``Lassus Trombone'' with his band students, 
Mr. Anderson and his trombone were a familiar sight across San Joaquin 
County. He directed the Valley Concert Band for a decade and was a 
guest conductor for the Stockton Concert Band when it performed at 
Carnegie Hall. He also played with several musical groups. including 
Tropical Nights, the Swingaires, the Lodi Community Band, and he often 
appeared in Stockton Civic Theatre's orchestra pit.
  Mr. Anderson's influence reverberates across San Joaquin County and 
beyond. He is missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
  I am honored to celebrate Mr. Christopher Anderson, his contributions 
to our community, and his gift of teaching music.

                          ____________________